Red Cross Chat

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From Maryl Neff:

We’ve been here almost a week now, and the team we replaced flew to Kuwait this morning.

I think it’s safe to say that all four of us on the team are still adjusting to deployed life, work shifts, the heat and everything else that goes with being deployed. I’m working nights and am enjoying the challenges so far.

Here are some positives about the first few days here:

1. The previous team did a great job in familiarizing us with the place and helping us with the transition, even though they were ready to get back home. They had huge grins on their faces as they were walking out the door to go to the airport.

2. Everyone has been extremely friendly and helpful when I’m not sure where I’m going or what I’m doing. “Ummm, excuse me, can you tell me where the Red Cross office is?” Okay, that’s not quite as stupid as it sounds. Everything looks the same at night. And don’t worry — I’ve now figured out the bus system so am taking the bus to work.

3. We have regulars who come in to use the Internet cafe or get coffee and snacks at night — it’s always good to see a friendly and now familiar face.

4. Some security guys stop by to check on us regularly. One of them is from New Mexico, where I’m originally from. He’s already shared some red chile powder and green chile powder with me so I can spice up my food at the chow hall. YUMMMM!

5. It’s cooler at night than it is during the day. I think it was about 94 night before last when we went to midnight chow. When the sun’s not shining, 94 doesn’t feel half bad.

6. I’m here with a good team. We all seem to be happy and getting along — always a good thing.

That’s all for now.

Maryl
Team 16, Balad Iraq - “Sweet Sixteen”

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